Blustery fall has arrived with the winds whipping down the streets and along with the errant papers, basketball goals being blown about; at least those portable ones that are really meant to be taken down and sent back to the garage every day! In fact, my neighbors have one that they purchased for their three boys and, just like most all others, it stays outside all the time. They found that it moved around a great deal in play and as the boys got bigger – and rougher – they got stakes and bungee cords to secure it to the ground.… Read more »

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Fatigue is a real thing in basketball for players at all levels. Think back to the 2011 playoffs when LeBron James stats starting dropping game by game. He appeared winded and questions about fatigue starting to surface. Even for ballers who are kids learning the fundamentals, all the youthful energy after hard play and needs to be replenished. Building endurance is one of the top priorities for coaches of kids’ teams. That’s why drills so often focus on consistent movement. Even for short 1 – 3 minute drills, pressing with full on intensity is tiring – and builds endurance practice… Read more »

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The Defensive Slide always looks easy on a seasoned basketball player, doesn’t it? Closing out and transitioning into another stance or direction almost seems like a natural movement. You can bet the farm that it wasn’t like for the player when he was a beginner. There is just so much to learn and master in the beginning. Beginners really benefit from a Goalrilla Goal Basketball hoop. The height can be adjusted so they learn the fundamentals without straining and the safety and durability of the one-piece pole system makes mom and dad happy because they can get years – in… Read more »

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There are just so many ways for beginners to progress in basketball – so many skills to learn! The Spot-Up Shooting Drill is one that can address a few areas: shot prep position shooting – handling endurance strength development of non-dominate side The beginner level is a bit different than the advanced level of the drill, concentrating mostly on the shot prep position and making it through five shots at the five different positions – each corner, each wing and the free-throw line. All shots are taken at the mid-range level and if you are lucky enough to have a… Read more »

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Besides teaching beginners the fundamentals so they develop good skills, there is usually a period of strengthening that is needed. Beginners often favor their dominant side on the basketball court. Even with a height adjustment on the Goalrilla Goal Basketball system, right handed beginners will go to the right side of the court and shoot with their right hand most often. One drill we recommend here at the Basketball Goal Store is the Wall Ball Dribble Drill. Especially for beginners, this drill will help to strengthen the non-dominant side hand, wrist, arm and shoulder. Not only will the player develop… Read more »

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Well, the lockout continues and there is talk of a major contraction in the number of teams that will survive until the end. Sad. It makes me think that the fans have the opportunity to take back the game. To their driveways, in their living rooms and in gyms across the nation. Let those who have made it a business remain mired in thigh-high stagnancy – the rest of us – let’s make it a game again! Here at the Basketball Goal Store we know how much fun families can have playing basketball. The Goalrilla Goal is perfect for families… Read more »

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“One day of practice is like one day of clean living. It doesn’t do you any good.” – Abe Lemons You might ask, “Who was Abe Lemons to make such a claim?” Well, Abe Lemons is an Oklahoman who put Oklahoma City University on the map – basketball wise. He was also the president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1977 and was named the National Basketball Coach of the year in 1978. The man ranked 5th among the winningest active collegiate coaches. He had a little experience, I think! The WWII veteran had a perspective on life… Read more »

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What lock out? College ball is not far away and watching the building of teams is exciting – there are so many combinations of strong players being set that strong championship contenders are not a sure slam dunk for any one team. Some graduating seniors left holes that are being filled with big shoes like Andre Drummond joining UCon. On ESPN, Coach Jim Calhoun said his team is more talented right now than last season’s. Big statement. You know that players who are making names for themselves today in college ball were kids spending hours drilling and shooting baskets –… Read more »

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In the heat of a basketball game, low post moves can account for baskets and scores that mean the difference between winning – and losing. Being ready if an opportunity arises takes a good “basketball sense” but also by having prepared for the eventuality that you know will come. The Low Post Moves Drill is a great way to prepare and to learn new moves on your Goalrilla Goal Basketball home court. If you have someone who can toss the ball to you, that’s great. If not, a wall can serve that purpose so this is one drill you can… Read more »

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Rebounding is a big part of a basketball game. Coaches want players to grab the ball with both hands, power through and maintain a good well-balanced and stable body position. The Backboard Ball Touches Rebounding Drill does all that and more. All you need is a basketball and the basketball goal. Players of all sizes can be successful with this drill with the height adjustable Goalrilla Goal Basketball goal. It adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet so players of all sizes can practice this drill for intermediate and advanced level players. The Basketball Goal Store is the largest on-line retailer… Read more »

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Ah, patience. Beginning basketball players usually don’t have any, do they? That’s one of the reasons why drills are so good for beginners and drills with shooting elements – well that just makes their hearts race. Because in the beginning, basketball is all about shooting baskets and little else. Parents tell us all the time how excited kids are to make baskets and how the Goalrilla Goal is great for everyone in the family because you can adjust the height of the hoop. That’s one of the first things we hear about when we answer the phone at the Basketball… Read more »

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If you have ever heard mothers of very young children when said child has a drinking cup in front of him, you will undoubtedly hear, “Use two hands” as they allow the child to drink on his own. The same can be said when it comes to passing in basketball. Use both hands. Two hand passes come in a variety of forms, but mastering the fundamentals of all of them will result in peak performance on all basketball courts, even the Goalrilla Goal Basket Goal court you have at home. Let’s look at the fundamentals of a Two Hand Bounce Pass.… Read more »

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The One-Minute Mid-Range Shooting Challenge is just that for intermediate and advanced players. But for beginners, it can be modified to be a great all-around drill to work on several different skills: Shooting skills from both corners, wings, the free throw line and lay ups. Catch and pivot skills Dribbling and not traveling For starters, as a beginner’s coach, eliminate the one-minute goal. The goal for beginners with this drill is to: become as proficient as possible. take and make only one shot in each position. build solid fundamental footwork and shooting position skills. Since beginners are usually younger and… Read more »

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Healthier habits – isn’t that what we want for all our kids? You just don’t know what it meant to me to hear that Oklahoma City Thunder basketball player, Kevin Durant, said: “I could eat a lot better… This past year, I was really big on eating a lot of foods with vegetables. That’s all I really ate this past year was foods with vegetables. I’m trying to stay away from red meats and the fast food as much as I can, even though it’s tempting.” Finally!! A message for all our kids (and us, too, truth be told). Durant… Read more »

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We are back to good fundamentals with the Wall and Ball Two Hand Pass Drill. Playing basketball looks so easy when you’re sitting in the stands. But for players, good players, that easy look is developed through practice and concentration on mastering fundamental skills. This drill will help you do that. All you need is a basketball and a wall (with no windows!). Combine this drill with a one-minute shooting drill around the court and in square in front of your Goalrilla Goal Basketball Goal and you will have a complete practice in your driveway or on your home court.… Read more »

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“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On twenty-six occasions I have been entrusted to take the game’s winning shot … and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that’s why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan To put success and the ultimate career achievements of Michael Jordan into perspective – he’s human. He has, indeed, made a remarkable imprint on the game of basketball and inspired countless up-and-coming stars and young ballers starting out. But, in his own words, he has also had… Read more »

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At this writing, 41 professional NBA basketball players are crossing the pond to go balling outside of America. Some are long-term deals, some have opt-out provisions. Is it smart? On one hand, the basketball players leaving the states during the ever-continuing lock-out will be playing in a competitive forum and keeping their skills hot. That’s not to say that many of the professionals are not going full out in their own private practice sessions, but it’s just not the same. When you are practicing at game-like intensity against the best in the business – that’s skill-honing. Driving hard, drilling three-pointers,… Read more »

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Eliminate the bob and gallop for your beginner with a good defensive drill like the Wall Ball and Slide Defensive Drill. Gearing the drill down to a beginner level is easy. The main concentration for beginners is staying in the stance with a forceful drive and recover pattern. Concentrate on a few key elements: Stay down in the defensive stance – keep the head level and butt down to prevent bobbing and galloping. Drive and recover – keep the underhand toss of the ball not too high and with enough force to prevent it from bouncing on the ground. Stay… Read more »

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Just about everyone favors one hand over another. There are two camps: those full of right-handers and those with the left-handers. On the basketball court that usually means that one hand is stronger than the other. But there is a great drill to develop strength in whichever side is your weaker side while developing ball handling and wraparound passing skills. That is the Wall and Ball Wrap Around Bounce Pass Drill. The player will need three things: a solid brick or concrete wall (no windows!) a basketball the pad off your Goalrilla Goal Basketball Hoop to stand in as a mock… Read more »

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For beginners and intermediate players, mastering the fundamentals of passing is crucial to building a team on the court. Develop that passing proficiency and confidence with the Wall and Ball Two Hand Chest Pass Drill. All you need is a wall (with no windows) and a basketball. Combine this drill with a drill shooting baskets on your Goalrilla Goal Basketball Goal in your driveway or on your home court. (With answers to all your questions and the best equipment available, the Basketball Goal Store is the place to go for your Goalrilla Goal Basketball system.) Players can engage in an independent routine of… Read more »

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